Jesus Pinedo made history for his country, and it’s beginning to get recognized.
“El Mudo” won the 2023 PFL featherweight title this past Friday in Washington, D.C., and became the first Peruvian fighter to win a championship belt from a major promotion. Pinedo (23-6-1) stopped Gabriel Braga (12-1) in the third round of their rematch. With the win, Pinedo took home the 145-pound title and a $1 million prize.
After a few days in New York, Pinedo arrived home to Peru on Wednesday and was received by media and a big crowd of supporters.
Watch Pinedo’s arrival in Peru in the videos below.
Braga beat Pinedo by split decision in their first regular season bout. Pinedo bounced back and stopped 2022 winner Brendan Loughnane in the first round to make the playoffs. And there, he finished 2022 PFL featherweight runner-up Bubba Jenkins before he beat Braga in their rematch in the final.
Now champion, the 27-year-old is expected to face Bellator legend Patricio Freire in a PFL vs. Bellator champion vs. champion superfight sometime in 2024.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL Championship.
Video: Jesus Pinedo gets hero’s welcome in Peru after 2023 PFL Championship win